Going into the game Arsenal were set to win the Emirates Cup, with them only needing a draw or win to seal the deal. But this was not to be.
Only minutes in Olivier Giroud being brought to the ground after an aerial challenge and already needing treatment.Arsenal's midfield seemed vibrant within the opening 20 minutes. Aaron Ramsey with some slick passing as well as Alexis Sanchez providing pace within the Arsenal attacks. Yet there was no completion of these attacks, with all chances being squandered.
Monaco were beggining to show aggression in the field and began to pose a serious threat to the Arsenal defence. Dirar was collecting the balls on the right wing and whipping them across the box, the first time leading to nothing but on the second attempt Falcao latched onto the end showing his aerial presence although unable to convert the opportunity.
This was shortly followed by an opportunity for Arsenal. Aaron Ramsey yet again the creator slipping the ball through to Olivier Giroud who's heavy touch denied him the chance to move the attack any further.
A Jack Wilshere mistimed challenge on Dirar lead to a free kick in the 36th minute.This was to prove fatal for Arsenal. Falcao yet again beating the Arsenal defence in the air and this time punished for it. Falcao rised the highest to head in a free kick beyond Szczesny.
Monaco had a chance just before the break to double their lead but it was not to be. Both teams going in at half-time separated by a Falcao header which was to win them the cup.
At half-time we saw a change in Arsenal players as well as a tactical change. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain coming on for Giroud led the Ox to play on the right with Alexis moving into a more central position. Ignasi Miquel also came on for Calum Chambers pushing Monreal into the centre with Miquel playing at left back.
A chance did fall for Arsenal in the 50th minute, but they were unable to take advantage of this. Alexis set Wilshere through with a back-heel but he was unable to finish with Subasic keeping the ball out.
Arsenal's attack had began to find their feet again. Chamberlain's amazing pace and dynamic runs made it a problem for the Monaco defence, unable to keep a track of him. Carzola and Alexis also linking up well but their shots were unable to amount to anything.
The Gunners best opportunity was denied from a refereeing mishap. Chuba Akpom had burst into the box only to be flawed by Subasic. Martin Atkinson failed to spot where Akpom was felled and gave a free kick, with replays showing Akpom was indeed inside the box.
The search for a goal to equalize continued into the dying minutes. But Monaco were to stay strong and even creating a one more attack, but this was not to be. The final score finishing 1-0 Monaco.
This meant Valencia won the Emirates Cup with Arsenal fans still quite disappointed with the flawed refereeing decision of Martin Atkinson. But luckily this was only the Emirates Cup and not anything major to the fans or team.
For Arsenal though this was more of an opportunity to see how the team could perform with their new signings as well as a handful of youthful players.
In a post match interview Wenger explained "It is a pre-season friendly so we don’t want to start moaning about the referee." also admitting that "Monaco were a sharper, stronger" side.
It showed that the Arsenal squad are definitely not all physically there yet for the new season. Especially that of Olivier Giroud. Giroud had seemed far off the pace throughout the match against Monaco, with his position being threatened by that of Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell from their performances against Benfica yesterday. Arsene Wenger even admitting that Giroud is far from ready but will Giroud be ready in 13 days time to kick off Arsenal's Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace.
Both Debuchy and Chambers showed their strength and why they are a good addition to the side and money well spent from Arsene. Both looking comfortable throughout and Debuchy even making some attacking runs upon his strong challenges.
Next up for Arsenal is the Community Shield in which they will compete with Manchester City. This will be a real test of the Arsenal squad and give a glimpse of what is to come in the forthcoming season.
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